First-ever Syariah-compliant hospital for Penang

GEORGE TOWN: Penang will have its first-ever Syariah-compliant hospital, the State Legislative Assembly heard today.

State executive councillor Abdul Malik Abul Kassim (PKR-Batu Maung) said the hospital was a joint effort between the Penang Islamic Foundation(YIPP) and Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAIPP).

“The hospital with the concept of a waqf will be built on a 1 hectare land owned by MAIPP in Bandar Bayan Baru here.

“The building, which will cost RM280 million, will be 14-storey high with a seven-storey car park and 200 patient rooms,” said Malik.

He added that the hospital will focus on a range of medical services and facilities, including paediatrics, gynaecology, endoscopy and cardiology.

“It will also be equipped with a teaching room and a business area,” he said during his winding-up speech.

Malik said YIPP had chosen An-Nur Specialist Hospital to operate the hospital, after going through a tight vetting process.

“The Health Ministry has given a medical zoning approval in 2014 and also the approval to set up and maintain private medical facilities or services in Aug 2016.

“In November, Penang Island City Council has approved YIPP’s planning permission and YIPP is now in the process of appointing a consulting contractor through a tight procedure,” he said.

He said the hospital is expected to create medical-related jobs opportunities and fill a high demand for Syariah-compliant medical services.

He added that the ground breaking ceremony would be held next month. Earlier, Malik said a total of 10 waqf land development projects were in the pipeline.

He said the developments involved the Sheikh Eusoff and Hashim Yahya waqf land in the North East district, Seetee Aisah waqf land in Seberang Perai Tengah, Abdul Cauder Waqf land in Seberang Perai Utara and a few other waqf land.

He added that these waqf lands were estimated to cost more than RM1 billion.

“MAIPP has never left any waqf land undeveloped. We are making the effort to develop and manage the land and to that end, we have set up the Penang Waqf early this year.

“However, there were still a few waqf land that cannot be developed due to certain obstacles, including squatters living the land,” he said.